Unicontroller system



June 23, 1953 RF. FOX 2,643,356

UNICONTROLLER SYSTEM Filed Aug. 20, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet l [/1 Faber! I? Fox 1% (20Mmamg A TTORNEY June 23, 1953 RF; FOX 2,543,356 v UNICONTROLLER SYSTEM Filed Aug. 20, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY l atented June 23, 195.;

UNICONTROLLER SYSTEM Robert P. Fox, Duluth, Minn., assignor to Clyde Iron Works, Inc., Duluth, Minn., a corporation of Minnesota Application August 20, 1951, Serial No. 242,670

This invention relates to motor control systems, and pertains more particularly to a system and associated apparatus for controlling two separate motors.

My invention will find especial utility in the control and operation of electric revolving cranes provided with two single drum motor driven hoists for clam shell bucket handling and the like. In installations of this character, it is expedient to handle both motors with one hand in order to obtain rapid operation. In this way, one of the operators hands is left free to actuate the swing and loft controllers so that the boom may be swung simultaneously with the raising, lowering, or closing of the bucket.

Accordingly, one important object of the instant invention is to secure together the master controllers of two motors so that the controllers will operate in unison either forwardly or rearwardly to thereby simultaneously energize the motors for operation in a desired direction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a controller of this type that will permit actuation of both motors in unison by movement of a single control lever.

A further object is to provide a uni-controller that will permit selective operation of either motor. 7

A still further object of the invention resides in the feature that the brake on one of the motors may be released without energization of that motor.

Still another object is to provide control mechanism for a pair of master controllers that is readily adaptable for use with controllers made by various manufacturers, thereby permitting its employment with previously purchased controllers, if desired.

Another object of the invention resides in the feature that the mechanism for actuating two master controllers in unison is of simple, low cost and compact construction.

The above objects, and other objects of the present invention will be made more apparent hereinafter, are obtained by means of apparatus subsequently to be described and shown in the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure l is an elevational view of my uni-controller showing the construction thereof;

Figure 2 is a sectional view through the controller apparatus, the position of the section being indicated by the line 2--2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing a modified form of construction;

Figure 4 is a simplified wiring diagram show- 7 Claims. (01. 318-57) ing the general operation of my apparatus, the electrical features being depicted in solid lines and-the mechanical features being in dotted outline to properly orient said electrical features;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1 illustrating the use of the modified apparatus of Figure 3.

Before describing the various features constituting my invention, it should perhaps be explained that in master controllers presently being used the controllers usually have four or five speed points both in forward and reverse directions. In the off position of the controller a spring set brake usually secures the hoist drum through a brake wheel mounted on the motor armature, movement of the controller hand lever either forward or in reverse energizing a solenoid to release this brake. Also, in actual practice the controller is preferably so arranged that acceleration of the motor through the various speed points is accomplished automatically through suitable time delay relays or frequency relays forming part of, or being associated with, the controller. When so equipped the master handle may be set immediately on any desired point without hesitation or dwell at any of the intermediate points between the off position and the desired running speed point.

Also, since reversing of the hoist motor (or lowering of the bucket) imposes an overhauling load on the hoist, the control equipment should incorporate an electrical restraining force for reverse speed control. Such an electrical restraining feature may be what is known as A. C. or D. C. dynamic lowering, or may comprise a speed controlled thrust or brake whereby the generator has complete control of the lower speed through the controller.

While the above mentioned automatic operational refinements are much to be desired in actual practice, it will be obvious that appropriate illustrative circuitry would render the drawings unduly complex and would serve no useful purpose in explaining the fundamental structure necessary for an understanding of the principles involved in the present invention. Therefore, it should be kept in mind that the ensuing description is restricted to a manual system for controlling a pair of D. C. series hoist motors.

Referring now to Figures 1, 2, and 4, the unicontroller designated generally by the letter A comprises a pair of master controllers it and H each provided with a stub shaft l2 and i3 keyed within a connecting collar [5 so that the shafts will rotate in unison. Extending through the collar l5 is a pin I6 which projects from opposite sides thereof, and supported by the pin I6 in encircling spaced relation with the collar is a ring II. A handle 18 is rigidly associated with the ring I! by means of connection of its shank I9 therewith.

For a purpose subsequently to be explained, a segment shaped plate 20 is connected to the underneath side of the ring II, this plate being arranged on a plane normal to the axis of the ring. An L-shaped arm 2| is secured to the collar I5 in depending downward fashion. A bolt or cap screw 22 is threadedly received by the arm 2 I, the body of the bolt passing through a slightly oversized aperture in the plate 20. Interposed between the head of the bolt 22 and the plate 28 is a coil spring 23 which normally maintains the handle I3 in a central or vertically disposed position between the controllers I0 and II, since the spring urges the plate 22 against the stop formed by the lower end of the arm 2|.

As previously indicated, for the sake of simplicity, the controllers Ill and II are illustratively wired for manual operation, the controllers I0 and II respectively including a' plurality of resistance elements 25, 26 having portions thereof electrically connected to a series of contact points 2'1, 28. The contacts of the controller I0 are wiped by a pair of oppositely disposed brush arms 29 and 30 which are carried on a rotatable hub 3i attached to the stub shaft l2 and electrically insulated therefrom by the insulation 32. Similarly the contacts 38 of the controller H are wiped by brush arms and 36 which are supported on a rotatable hub 31 which is fastened to the stub shaft [3. The arms 35 and 3B are also insulated from their hub, such insulation being shown at 38.

In circuit with the controller II is a motor 39 provided with a series field 40. This motor 39 is intended to drive a closing line hoist (not shown). Rotatable with the armature of the motor 39 is a brake wheel 4| engageable by a brake mechanism 42 which is actuated into braking relationship by a spring 43 and released by a solenoid 45, the release being effected by flow of motor current through the solenoid 45 or a relay derivative thereof.

A holding line hoist motor 46 along with its series field ll, is depicted in circuit with the controller II. The armature of the motor 46 carries a brake wheel 48 which is engageable by a brake mechanism 49. As in the case of the brake mechanism 42, the mechanism 49 is urged into braking relationship with the wheel H8 by a spring 59 and is released by a first solenoid 5| energized by a flow of motor current, or by a second solenoid 52 which may be separately energized to retract the brake mechanism.

The solenoid 52 has in circuit therewith a switch 53 biased toward closed position by a compression spring 55 to thereby energize the solenoid 52 from the power source E, which also may supply the motors 4i and 46. It will be observed from Figure 11 that tilting or oscillating the handle in a clockwise direction will permit the spring 55 to close the switch 53 and energize the solenoid 52 without the concomitant energization of the motor 46. The switch 53 may be equipped with a roller 56 which engages the switch plate 20.

A push button switch 51 in serial relation with the motor 46 and controller II is mounted on the handle [8 so that the controller ll may be actuated without energizing the motor 46. In

this connection, it is to be remembered that the controller I I is mechanically coupled to the controller II) for movement in unison therewith when the handle I8 is revolved. When the switch 51 is depressed by the operators thumb to open position, it has the same effect as if the controller II were left unmoved or in its oiT position, because there is then no flow of current to the hoisting line motor 46, and the solenoid 5i remains de-energized, thereby setting the brake 49 by action of the spring 50.

Operation of my uni-controller is as follows: With the crane shell bucket open and lying upon material to be raised, such as upon a pile of coal, the uni-controller hand lever I8 is moved backwards or in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 2. Simultaneously the push button 57 is depressed and the hand lever I2 is swung in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 1. This movement accomplishes several results. In the first place, the movement of the hand lever I 8 to a predetermined extent in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 2 of the drawings, closes the circuit in the controller l2 to the motor 39 actuating the closing line drum, causing this drum to rotate in a direction to wind the closing line thereupon. The actuation of the push button 51 cuts out the current to the control unit I I, thereby rendering the hoist line motor 46 inoperative and setting the brake thereon. However, pivoting or tilting of the lever I8 in a clockwise direction about the pivot I6 completes the circuit through the switch 53 to the hoisting motor brake solenoid 52, thereby releasing the holding or hoisting line brake and allowing the bucket to settle freely into the coal as the crane shell bucket is closed.

When the bucket has been closed by the operation thus described, the push button 51 is released, thereby closing the circuit to the hoisting line motor 46 and causing the hoisting line to be wound upon its drum. The hoisting line drum is automatically accelerated to the speed of the closing line hoist drum in a known manner not depicted, and the bucket is elevated by both lines. At this point in the operation the lever I8 may, if desired, be swung about the pivot IE to its center position without eiiecting the operation, as the circuit through the push button 5'! automatically releases the hoisting line brake.

When it is desired to stop the hoisting operation, the handle I8 is returned to center position whereupon the hoisting motors 39 and 4% are both de-energized and the brakes 42 and 49 therefor automatically set.

The lowering of the bucket is accomplished by moving the hand lever I8 forwardly or in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 2. This action reverses the direction of both hoist motors 39 and 46, and the load is lowered by means of both hoists.

When it is desired to empty the bucket the push button 51 is again depressed thereby cutting off the circuit to the holding line and automatically settin the holding line hoist brake 49. Continued movement of the closing line hoist controlled by the controller III will open the bucket. A release of the push button 51 will permit the open bucket to be lowered.

In Figures 3 and 5 I disclose a modified unicontroller B comprising two master controllers 60 and GI having their shafts 62 and 63 keyed with a collar (54. A pivot pin 65 extends diametrically through the collar 64 and pivotally supports a ring 66 provided with a handle shank '5 81 supporting a handleEB. A-segm'ent shaped plate 63 is secured to the collar 64 opposite the handle shank 6.1. .A pair of lugs 10 and'll. de-

pend downwardly from the collar 64- and coact with a pair of springs 12,13 and the plate 89 in maintaining the handle shank Bl normally ver- In that the controllers 60 and GI may be of the same basic construction as the previously described controllers l and II, it is not believed necessary to describe these controllers in detail, the controller units being chiefly representative anyway. In circuit with the controller 60 is a hoist motor 15 havin a brake wheel 16 carried by its armature. A brake mechanism 11 bears against the brake wheel 16 by action of a spring T8 The brake 11 maybe released by either a solenoid 19 in circuit with the controller 60 and its motor 15, or by a second solenoid 80 in circuit with a switch 81 that is urged toward closed position by a spring 82 whenever it is permitted to do so by oscillation of the switch plate 69. The handle 68 carries a pushbutton switch 83, providing a'ready'means of disconnecting the controller 60 from the power supply E2.

The controller 6| controls a hoist motor 85 which has a brake wheel 86 mounted on its armature for rotation therewith. A brake mechanism 81 is engageable with the brake wheel 86 by virtue of a spring 88. The braking action afforded by the spring 88 may be overcome by a solenoid 89 in circuit with the controller BI and the motor 85, or the brake 81 may be released by energization of a second solenoid 90 in circuit with a switch 9| biased toward closed position by a sprin 92. Also carried by the handle 68 is a second push button switch 93 for breaking the circuit to the controller GI and thereby rendering the controller 6| inoperative.

Actually the uni-controller B is much like the uni-controller A, but additionally includes the switches 8i and 83. The controller B, however, would be particularly useful for overhead or bridge type cranes having two trolley hoists used in simultaneous lifting and spotting. Therefore, when it is desired to actuate either hoist motor 15 or 85 singly, the controller 60 or 6| associated with the motor not to be operated may be rendered inoperative by means of the appropriate switch 83 or 93, For example, should it be desired to have the motor 15 remain stationary, then the push button switch 83 would be pressed, and movement of the handle 88 in either a forward or reverse direction would have no effect upon the motor 15, only the motor 85 being energized and controlled by such movement of the handle.

Because of the employment of the two switches 8! and SI oneither side of the switch plate 69 in this latter construction B, it will also be recognized that either brake mechanism 11 or 81 may be released. To effect the release of the appropriate brake H or 81, the handle 68 need only be moved in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 5. In other words, tilting of the handle 68 toward the end of the stub shaft 63 connected to the controller 6! will result in the release of the brake 81 which is associated with the motor 85. Conversely, moving or tilting the handle 68 toward the end of the shaft 62 which is connected to the controller 60 will cause the brake TI to be retracted. Thus, it will be observed that the embodiment designated generally by the letter B permits a more flexible mode of operation than does the first described arrangement A.

It is to be understood, however, that even though there is herein shown and described what might be termed two recommended embodiments, these embodiments are susceptible to certain changes fully comprehended by the invention as herein described and within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A control apparatus for controlling the movement of, and including, master controllers, said master controllers having actuating shafts which may be rotated in either direction from a central position, means actuated by rotation of the shafts in one direction for actuating said controllers to cause rotation of hoist motors in one direction, means actuated by rotation of said shafts in the opposite direction for actuating said controllers to rotate the hoist motors in the opposite direction, and means actuated by movement of said shafts to center position for cutting off the current to the hoist motors and applying brakes thereto, means connecting the shafts of said controllers for operation in unison, a handle connected to said shaft connecting means to rotate therewith, said handle being pivotal with said shafts about the axis thereof and also pivotal about an axis intersecting the shaft axis at right angles.

2. In combination, a pair of electric motors, a brake for each motor, first electro-magnetic means for releasing one brake and second electro-magnetic means for releasing the other brake, a pair of controllers for controlling the energization of said motors, means connecting one of said controllers in circuit relation with said first electro-magnetic means for energizing same when the motor controlled by that controller is energized, means connecting the other of said controllers in circuit relation with said second electromagnetic means for energizing same when the motor controlled by said other motor is energized, a shaft means connecting said controllers, a handle element for rotating shaft means to thereby actuate said controllers in unison, said handle element being pivotal in a direction toward either end of said shaft means, a switch actuating element movable with said handle, a switch in circuit with said first electromagnetic means, said switch being disposed adj acent one side of said switch actuating element for actuation thereby when said switch actuating element is moved transversely with respect to said switch.

3. The structure described in claim 2 in which the handle element is provided with a switch in circuit with the controller which is in circuit with said first electro-magnetic means.

4. In combination, a pair of electric motors, a brake for each motor, a solenoid for releasing each brake, a pair of controllers for controlling the energization of said motors, shaft means connecting said controllers, a handle element for rotating said shaft means to thereby actuate said controllers in unison, said handle element being pivotal in a direction toward the ends of said shaft means, a switch actuating element pivotal with said handle element, a, switch in circuit relation with each solenoid for causing energization of its respective solenoid, each of said switches being disposed adjacent opposite sides of said switch actuating element for selective actuation thereby when said switch actuating element is pivoted with respect to a given switch.

5. The structure described in claim 4 in which said handle element contains a pair of switches each in circuit relation with one of said controllers, whereby selective operation of either of said last mentioned switches will render its respective controller ineffective to cause energization of the motor controlled by that particular controller.

6. In combination, a pair of electric motors, a brake for each motor, respective solenoid means for releasing each brake, a pair of controllers for controlling the energization of said motors, said controllers being in circuit relation with said respective solenoid means for energizing said solenoid means when said motors are energized, shaft means connecting said controllers, a handle element for rotating said shaft means to thereby actuate said controllers in unison, said handle element being pivotal in a direction towards the ends of said shaft means, a switch plate pivotal with said handle element, a switch in circuit with each solenoid means, each of said switches being disposed adjacent opposite sides of said switch plate for selective actuation thereby when said switch plate is pivoted with respect to a given switch.

7. The structure described in claim 6 in which said handle element contains a pair of switches each in .circuit relation with one of said controllers, whereby selective operation of either of said last mentioned switches will render its respective controller ineffective to cause energization of the motor controlled by that particular controller.

ROBERT P. FOX.

References Cited .in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 561,777 Essberger et a1 June 9, 1896 957,662 Deucher May 10, 19.10

1,169,345 Nelson Jan. 25, 1916 1,711,896 McLean May 7, 1929 2,224,725 Felt Dec. 10, 1940 2,391,881 Clay Jan. 1 19.46

FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 456,536 France June 21, 1913 

